ACC Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

5. Marvin Bagley

The nation’s top prospect in 2017, Bagley chose Duke for his collegiate career and certainly doesn’t regret that decision. A 6’11 big man from Phoenix, Bagley played a major role for the Blue Devils during the 2017-18 season before moving on to the NBA.

That freshman season saw him average 21.0 points and 11.1 rebounds, monster numbers even for a 5-star prospect with those high expectations. Bagley had few games that weren’t double-doubles and put up 32 points and 21 rebounds in a late December win over Florida State. A few months later, he’d help lead Duke to the Elite Eight, putting up 22 points in each of their three Tourney wins before falling to Kansas.

Leading Duke to a 29-8 season and an Elite Eight appearance was great, but the personal accolades were just as rewarding. Bagley was a First Team All-American who was both ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Certainly one of the sport’s very best that season, he showcased his talent in a major way for the Blue Devils, though it’s a shame that he fell just short of a Final Four bid. Regardless, Bagley was the top scorer and most accurate shooter in an ACC full of talented athletes.